Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Reasons Jonathan Toews Will Win Hardware in 2011-2012

A lot of work needs to be done, but the Chicago Blackhawks have the makeup of a cup-contending team in 2011-2012.

Nobody seems more determined to get them back to the top of the mountain than "Captain Serious." Jonathan Toews is off to his best start as a professional and has the Hawks thinking big.  

With a new season—and more horses in his stable—Toews is primed to bring home a trophy at the 2012 awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

He has a Conn Smythe already in his war chest. Last season, he was a Selke finalist and he may find himself there again. And shocking as it may seem, the Hart Trophy may be in the not-so-distant future for this man.

His trophy case could have a new addition following the 2011-2012 season, and here are the reasons why. 

A Two-Way Threat

There is very little that Tazer cannot do on the ice. He is a first-line center who is a threat to score. He is one of the best faceoff men in the league and certainly one of the game's best defensive forwards.

There are few players in the league with the heart, the drive or the complete package that Jonathan Toews has.

A Selke nominee last year, his defensive qualities may be the best part of his game.

With his good defense comes good offense. He has a nose for the net and will be involved in scoring plays and multiple power-play opportunities. 

Statistics

Toews has stats that can match up with the best in the league. In his first seven games this season, Toews has tallied four goals and two assists. While that is currently under a point per game, do not be surprised to see him finish with a 90-point season.  

If he stays healthy,Toews will reach 30 goals this season. Historically, Toews does not dent the net early in the season, but this season has been different. If he continues to get better as the year goes along, which is the norm, 40 goals is not out of reach. 

On the defensive side, he may very well lead the league in takeaways and faceoff percentages.  

If he compiles these numbers, he may run away with the Selke—and the Hart Trophy will not be out of the realm of possibility.

Leadership

Toews will take the Hawks where they need to go. He is the straw that stirs the drink in this club. Leadership may not be a popular category when you determine winning trophies, but Toews' will and leadership put him in Hart conversations last February.

You may recall Mr. Toews putting a team on his shoulders and being Player of the Month in February of 2011. 

With the captain on a mission and the Hawks retooled with a better season ahead, Toews may have his finest season to date.  

The Hawks go as Toews goes, and his drive will improve the team as well as his own performance.  

Consistency

He is determined to be Jonathan Toews every night. He rarely misses a beat. If he has an off night, which may happen once a year, he is out to prove himself in the next contest.

Both statistically and from a developmental standpoint, Toews has improved as a player every season since he entered the league.  

It is his dedication to overall team play and winning hockey games which makes him a unique player. He'll play whatever role you need him to on any given night.

The one thing you can count on is that Mr. Toews will bring it every night he puts on skates. 

The Hawks

Those who have had the chance to watch the Hawks play this year know that they are the real deal.

With only one loss in regulation to date, the Hawks continue to gain points in the standings. In seven games thus far, they have managed 10 points.

If this pace continues, and all signs point that way, they will end up with over 100 points and could have a top-four seed in the Western Conference.

If Toews and the Hawks win a lot of games this year, his credibility as a player will be better than ever. Toews is improved and so are the Hawks—and that will only help his case.